If you're looking to optimize the performance of your diesel truck, it's important that you are practical about your investments. With so many different upgrade options, it's easy to put money into places that may not help as much as others. One of the things that many diesel vehicle owners look for is a way to increase the power of the engine. Many people know that you can adjust the air and fuel mixture and even widen the air intake. But you may not realize that there are other options, too. Here's a look at some of the things you should consider to enhance your diesel engine.
Upgrade The Engine Chip
Many newer engine models are regulated by a computer chip that handles all of the engine responses. The first thing you should do if you're looking to improve the engine performance is to talk with a performance shop about upgrading the chip.
Sometimes, tuning or upgrading is enough to give the truck a little bit of extra horsepower and greater response from the engine. With existing chips, the process is as easy as programming it with a tool connected directly to the communication port on the car.
When you have a truck that isn't equipped with a control chip, you can even have one installed by a mechanic. It will have to be soldered into place, but with a professional installation, it can enhance the engine significantly.
Invest In New Diesel Filters
The cleaner the fuel getting to your engine, the more efficient the engine will run. By installing an upgraded diesel filter, you'll have greater assurance that there are no particles getting into the combustion process at all. This also helps to extend the life of your fuel injectors, because you won't have to worry about any particles in the fuel clogging the tips of the injectors.
In addition to installing a larger or denser filter, you'll also want to make sure that you're replacing it frequently. That way, you don't risk having the filter get clogged. If it's clogged, it may hinder the flow of fuel, which is going to rob the engine of power.
Enhance The Fuel Injection
Fuel delivery is as important as cleanliness. It doesn't matter how clean your fuel is if it never makes it to the engine. For that reason, it's in your best interest to invest in enhancements for your fuel injection system, too. Look for larger fuel injectors or install wider injector nozzles to help ensure that your engine gets as much fuel as possible.
A diesel engine has a lot more flexibility in the fuel-to-air ratio that it will support. Running a diesel engine rich, which means running it with more fuel in the system, will generate more power from the engine even though it is less efficient.
If you're going to buy new injectors, look for something that will last you a long time. It will help make the most of the investment. For example, nozzles like the diamond-coated varieties are designed to hold up to the worst that your engine may put them through.
Help The Engine Breathe
Since diesel engines are flexible in their fuel-to-air mixture, you may find that your new injectors lead to a rich mixture. This often leads to smoke from the exhaust. If you want to preserve the power increase without the smoke and odor of a rich-running engine, consider installing a larger air filter so that you can draw in and process more air through the engine. The larger filter will allow air to pass more easily because it won't clog as quickly.
With so many different ways to step up your diesel engine, it's no surprise that people find themselves overwhelmed. Start with these tips and talk with a local diesel parts supplier, such as Williams Oil Filter Service Co.. He or she can help you evaluate your engine and find other areas where you may be able to optimize the system.
